Mahesh Basnet Criticizes Proposal to Abolish Trade Unions and Student Bodies

Mahesh Basnet, secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), has strongly criticized the idea of abolishing trade unions and student organizations, calling it “the height of foolishness driven by individual whim.”
Expressing his views on social media, he said that ignoring constitutionally guaranteed freedom of organization and Nepal’s commitments to the International Labour Organization is unacceptable.
Basnet argued that such ideas emerging from the leadership of Prime Minister Balendra Shah naturally trigger serious public debate. He acknowledged that these organizations have weaknesses but stressed that no structure in the world is without flaws.
According to him, every problem also carries a potential solution, and failure to identify it reflects leadership weakness. He emphasized that the solution lies not in abolishing trade unions and student organizations but in reforming and regulating them effectively.
He further wrote that development cannot be achieved through destruction or protest alone, but requires hard work, clear vision, and long-term commitment.
Basnet also referred to past political narratives and said that while it was easy earlier to blame former governments such as those led by KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress, and Maoist Centre, recent white paper reports have challenged many such claims.
He concluded that governance now faces direct responsibility and growing public dissatisfaction, urging serious attention to the situation. He stressed that strengthening democracy requires institutional reform rather than restricting rights, and that rule of law—not emotional decision-making—is the need of the hour.